Comment

Inside the draft NPPF: Government intentions at a glance

The draft NPPF published for consultation in December 2025 introduces short introductory statements at the start of each thematic chapter. While these statements are not policy, they provide useful context to the Government’s intended direction of travel.

We have collated and summarised the introductory boxed text from the National Planning Policy Framework: draft text for consultation to give a flavour of Government’s intentions for the planning system and what it is seeking to achieve. Read below. 

Plan making

Creating a system which is genuinely plan led, through plan-making authorities prioritising the preparation and updating of development plans. 

Decision making 

Ensuring that development proposals are informed by appropriate information and decided in a way which is proportionate, timely and effective. 

Achieving sustainable development

Meeting development needs through sustainable patterns of development, including by maximising the potential for growth on suitable land within settlements, enabling development which will support the rural economy, rural communities and the provision of infrastructure, and limiting development away from settlements to help safeguard the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.

Meeting the challenge of climate change

Supporting the transition to net zero by 2050 and shaping places in ways which are more resilient to the effects of climate change.

Delivering a sufficient supply of homes

Supporting the delivery of a substantial increase in the supply of homes and traveller sites, by ensuring that a sufficient amount and variety of land can come forward where needed. 

Building a strong, effective economy 

Enabling businesses to invest, expand and adapt in a way that reflects the opportunities, challenges and characteristics of different areas, and supports long term economic growth both locally and nationally.

Ensuring the vitality of town centres

Promoting the long-term vitality and viability of town centres by prioritising them as locations for main town centre uses and allowing them to adapt to changing community and business needs, in a way which reflects their locally distinctive roles and opportunities.

Supporting high quality communications

Enabling the expansion and upgrading of telecommunications infrastructure (including securing coverage of standalone 5G in all populated areas, and nationwide gigabit-capable broadband).

Securing clean energy and water

Supporting the development and operation of energy and water infrastructure in ways which align with wider development, clean power by 2030 and net zero objectives.

Facilitating the sustainable use of minerals 

Ensuring there is a sufficient supply of minerals to provide the infrastructure, buildings, green energy and goods that the country needs, while restricting specific types of minerals development that could harm environmental objectives.

Making effective use of land 

Promoting the effective use of land in meeting the need for homes and other uses, while safeguarding and improving the environment and ensuring safe and healthy living conditions.

Protecting Green Belt land 

Preventing urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. 

Achieving well-designed places

Promoting well-designed, healthy, inclusive and sustainable places, through setting clear expectations about design outcomes and the use of relevant tools and processes.

Promoting sustainable transport 

Using a vision-led approach to embed the role that transport infrastructure and choices can play in creating well-designed, sustainable, inclusive and popular places.

Promoting healthy communities

Promoting the creation of healthy and inclusive places and supporting the provision of appropriate public services.

Pollution, public protection and security 

Ensuring that new development is appropriate for its location taking into account risks posed by pollution and other hazards.

Managing flood risk and coastal change 

Minimising risks to development arising from all sources of flooding and coastal change, taking into account the impacts of climate change.

Conserving and enhancing the natural environment

Influencing the design and location of new development to help drive nature’s recovery and contribute to wider environmental outcomes, safeguarding our most important habitats, species and landscapes and recognising the centrality of natural capital to delivering sustainable growth.

Conserving and enhancing the historic environment 

Conserving heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of existing and future generations.

Contact Dave Trimingham if you would like to discuss the draft NPPF consultation or for advice on how the Government’s stated priorities may influence plan-making or decision-taking.

22 December 2025